SUBANG JAYA: All Mydin stores nationwide have placed red labels on products from the Netherlands as a sign of protest over the release of the controversial anti-Islam film Fitna.
Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said they have put up notices in their two hypermarkets and 24 emporiums nationwide as a step to urge shoppers not to purchase the products.
Dutch legislator Geert Wilders released the 15-minute film on the Internet on Thursday.
“We have put up red labels with the words ‘Product from the Netherlands’ on the shelves and posters have been pasted around the mall and cashier counters to urge shoppers not to buy the products.
“This will give customers a choice to shop for other products, especially local products.
“One need not be a Muslim to refrain from purchasing the products, as nobody has the right to condemn any religion – it is time to show how united we are.
“Anyway, there are many other products to choose from, and people need not worry,” Ameer said in his speech before Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad launched the Product Malaysia Citarasa Kita promotion at the Mydin Hypermarket in USJ here yesterday.
He added that they were, however, unable to remove the products from the shelves as consumers had the right to make their own choice.
Shahrir commended Mydin and Ameer for speaking up and placing the labels to discourage people from purchasing products from the Netherlands.
He said usually businessmen preferred to stay neutral when it came to such issues.
“But I am surprised with the speech by Ameer and the willingness of Mydin to place the labels to show their dissatisfaction over Wilders’ act.
“We are not angry with the Netherlands Government but with Wilders’ act, which has created anger among the Muslims,” he said, adding that there was no official boycott of Dutch products.
Shahrir said even companies in the Netherlands had said that they would take legal action against Wilders if their businesses were affected.
“And since their businesses are now affected, I hope legal action will be taken,” he added.
“With the move, consumers will have a choice of products that can compete with foreign products,” he added.
By MANJIT KAUR
Star Online
01/04/08
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